Tough time for Kiwis before rain stops play

Rain washed out the final two sessions on the opening day of the second and final cricket test between the Black Caps and Pakistan in Hamilton yesterday.

Just 21 overs were able to be bowled at Seddon Park, with the players unable to return after a rain-induced early lunch break, which New Zealand went to at 77-2 after being sent in in tough conditions.

Asked to bat first on a green pitch and under dark skies, the Black Caps lost Tom Latham for a first-ball duck, then recovered well, only for captain Kane Williamson to be controversially sent on his way, before Ross Taylor (29no) showed no sign of his eye troubles in blazing quickfire runs with Jeet Raval (35no), with the pair putting on 38 in just 6.1 overs.

After Latham perished on the sixth ball of the match, the hosts had fought back to 39-1, before Williamson (13) was given his marching orders in the first over after drinks.

It was clearly a huge blow for the home side, on a wicket offering plenty, with extra pace and bounce than what was seen in the first test at Christchurch.

Raval edged the first ball of the match through gully for four, then was dropped third ball by Sami Aslam at first slip. But Mohammad Amir soon got his rewards, with Latham nicking and Aslam that time making no mistake.

Raval produced some gorgeous drives down the ground, as well as showing his ability on the pull.

Taylor blazed six boundaries, including some searing trademark square cuts, in racing to 29 off just 20 deliveries. - Stuff